Фото: president.gov.ua
Ukraine has responded to a statement by the Russian Defence Ministry on a May 8–9 ceasefire by announcing its own ceasefire starting May 6. Volodymyr Zelensky stressed that the Russian side had not contacted Ukraine regarding the cessation of hostilities.
Zelensky said Ukraine would act in a reciprocal manner starting May 6.
“As of today, there has not been a single official appeal to Ukraine regarding the modalities of a ceasefire being discussed in Russian social media. We believe that human life is an incomparably greater value than the ‘celebration’ of any anniversary. In this regard, we are declaring a ceasefire starting at 00:00 on the night of May 5 to 6. In the time remaining until then, it is realistic to ensure the onset of silence. We will act in a reciprocal manner starting from that moment. It is time for the Russian leadership to take real steps to end their war, if the Russian Ministry of Defence believes it cannot hold a parade in Moscow without the goodwill of Ukraine,” Zelensky said.
It is worth recalling that the Russian Defence Ministry unilaterally announced a ceasefire for May 8–9 to mark Victory Day. At the same time, Russia has threatened a massive strike on Kyiv in the event of attempts to disrupt the celebrations and has advised Kyiv residents and diplomats to leave the city.